Craig Gentle joins the board as a non-executive director with effect from 1 September 2026, and Steve Langan joins as a non-independent non-executive director from 2 February 2027.

Michael Summersgill chief executive at AJ Bell

Mr Gentle, a chartered accountant with more than 30 years’ experience in retail financial services, spent more than 20 years at PwC before serving as group chief financial officer of St. James’s Place for more than seven years until his retirement in late 2024. He will become chair of the audit committee, subject to regulatory approval, succeeding Eamonn Flanagan.

Mr Langan brings executive and board experience from the insurance and consumer goods sectors, including senior leadership roles at Hiscox, where he served as chief executive of both Hiscox UK & Europe and Hiscox USA. He currently sits on the board of Sampo and will succeed Les Platts as Andy Bell’s nominated non-independent non-executive director.

In connection with the appointments, Mr Flanagan and Mr Platts will not seek re-election at the next annual general meeting, while Margaret Hassall will step down from the board on 30 September 2026, having chosen not to serve a third term as chair of the remuneration committee. Elizabeth Chambers will take over that role following a period of induction.

Fiona Clutterbuck, chair of AJ Bell, said: “The changes we are announcing today mark the conclusion of recent board succession planning activity. I am delighted to welcome Craig and Steve to the board and I look forward to working with them.”

Separately, AJ Bell has appointed Rob Burdett as the new independent chair of AJ Bell Investments’ investment committee, succeeding Jim Sutcliffe, who had chaired the committee since the business launched in 2016.

Mr Burdett brings more than 30 years of multi-manager and fund selection experience, having held senior roles at Rothschild Asset Management, Thames River, BMO Global Asset Management, Columbia Threadneedle and Credit Suisse, alongside his current position as head of multi-manager at Nedgroup Investments.

Mr Burdett will oversee the AJ Bell fund range and MPS service, including investment strategy, asset allocation and risk management, working alongside a team that has grown AJ Bell Investments’ assets to more than £11bn by June 2026.

Michael Summersgill chief executive at AJ Bell, said: “The investment committee chair plays a vital role in the governance and independent oversight of decisions made by the wider investment team in the best interests of our customers. Rob’s depth of experience, knowledge and independent perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow our highly successful investments business.”